Ashland Daily Press
ASHLAND, Wis. β There are still many living in Ashland who can recall the great deep booming gong of the Beaser Fire Station bell, summoning off-duty firefighters to duty within the city.
βI grew up out on Saint Claire Street,β recalled former City of Ashland Fire Chief Jerry Giese. βWhen you were outside you could hear it ring clearly. You could hear it all over town.β
The great bronze bell hung from an immense beam high in a bell tower in the fire station, waiting to ring out a numerical code for firefighters who would know where to go to lend assistance in the event of an emergency. βIt was based on the number of the firebox,β Giese said. βIf the fire was near fire box 47, the bell would ring four times, then pause and ring out seven times; four and seven, that meant firebox 47.β
Full story: Beaser fire bell to find a home at new Ashland fire station